Energy plays an important role in both domestic politics in the Middle East as well as in Western relations with the region. Domestically, energy revenues may strengthen undemocratic rule but does does oil really hinder democracy? And has the West any role to play in democratizing oil-exporting autocracies?
Workshop conducted by Paul Aarts (UvA)

Background media:

Video: Ariel Cohen – Iran has an interest in high oil prices (CitizEnergy)

Video: Mikhail Diliagin – Democracy in Iran (CitizEnergy)